PLE Weekly Community Outreach
September 29, 2023
Hello PLE Community!
This year our staff is engaged in a professional development arc distinguishing what it looks like to create cultures of thinking in our learning and play spaces and facilitate authentic engagement with our students and each other. This upcoming month we are examining and looking at the impact of the language we use with students and with each other. Out of our commitment to share with and include you, here are some ideas for caregivers and families to take on as well.
✨ Rethink your language. Language shapes so much of our lives, even when we don't realize it. Try catching yourself when you're using non-inclusive language. Pick a few words you want to remove from your vocabulary. Maybe you want to stop saying “ask your mom and dad” to your students or child's friends, or stop saying “hey guys” and replace it with more gender neutral language. Or maybe you want to work on your inclusive language about disability, and stop using phrases like “blind spots" or “falling on deaf ears”. We're all working on different things, and it can take time to change our deeply ingrained habits. Start slow, and choose a few words or phrases to start with, and then build up from there.
✨ Read about a different justice issue and examine your language when you are thinking and talking about that issue. Many of us have a couple of justice issues that we are passionate about. Maybe you are committed to anti-racism, or you're personally connected to the LGBTQ+ movement. I am continually learning more and more about the justice issues surrounding all of us. This week, take just 15 minutes to read about an issue you don't know much about. Maybe you'll find an article about neurodiversity, watch a quick YouTube video on Indigenous land rights, or learn about a non-profit fighting for food justice. There are so many issues of justice we can learn about, so take some time to dig into immigration, women's health, education equality, voter suppression, animal conservation, or any social justice topic that isn't one you currently know about.
Challenge yourself to take at least one of these action steps this week. Engaging in this work ourselves makes a difference in the work we do and the models we are for our children.
In partnership,
Principal Snookal
October Virtue of the Month and SEL Lesson
This year we will be learning about and practicing a new virtue each month as a school. We have also pre-scheduled all of our Social and Emotional Learning lessons to correlate with our virtue. We will let you know what the virtue and lesson are for each month.
October Virtue = Compassion
October 2nd Step = Bullying Prevention and Awarenss
Compassion means we care about others, treat them with kindness, and feel a strong desire to help people in need. Compassion teaches kids to listen, and this empathy helps them to better understand others. Teaching children why negativity towards others can cause negative outcomes helps them learn about understanding the perspective of somebody else and how to empathize with them. In support of our learning about compassion, we will also celebrate Unity Day on October 17th with a school-wide assembly!
Dear Phantom Lake Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that each school year brings, I am excited to share a valuable resource that has recently become available to our school community. This resource is called Care Solace.
Finding the right therapist or mental health provider can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Navigating the maze of providers, insurance networks, and availability can be overwhelming. That's where Care Solace steps in – it does all the legwork for you.
Here's what you can expect from Care Solace:
- Personalized Assistance: Care Solace staff will work to understand your needs and preferences, ensuring that you are connected with appropriate resources.
- Local Provider Network: They has an extensive network of mental health and behavioral health providers, making it easier to find the care you need.
- Free of Charge: We want to emphasize that Care Solace is a free service for all of our students and their families. There are no costs or fees involved.
- Confidential and Secure: Your privacy is a top priority, and all interactions with Care Solace are completely confidential and secure.
You can access Care Solace services in three ways:
- Call 888-515-0595 at any time. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365. A dedicated Care Companion will help you every step of the way to research options, secure appointments, and follow up to make sure it is a good fit.
- Search anonymously to get matched with an extensive list of care providers at caresolace.com/bsd405.
- Or, contact me, Alysia Carey, by phone, email, or in person at Phantom Lake, and I will submit a referral on your behalf.
Together, we can ensure that our students have access to the care and support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for our students.
Warm regards,
Alysia Carey
careya@bsd405.org
(425) 456-5614
